IRS Telephone Numbers and Departments
Use these IRS telephone numbers to contact the right department for tax questions, refunds, payments, tax debt, forms, and taxpayer assistance.
Browse the IRS Telephone Numbers and Departments Below
Important Information You Should Know Before Calling the IRS
Taxpayers can contact the IRS in several ways, including by telephone, online, and by mail. Choosing the right contact method can help you get answers to tax questions, resolve account issues, check refund information, make payments, and respond to IRS notices. The IRS does not have one single telephone schedule for every department.
Hours vary depending on the IRS service or telephone number you are calling. The main individual taxpayer telephone line generally operates from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. IRS telephone services are closed on holidays.
Many taxpayers can resolve their tax questions faster without calling the IRS by using online services available through IRS.gov for the following services:
- Check federal tax refund status
- Make federal tax payments
- File an amended return
- Set up or manage eligible payment plans
- View tax account information
- Get tax transcripts
- Find tax forms and instructions
- Check certain tax notices
- Update certain account information
- Obtain answers to common tax questions
- Access an IRS Online Account
If you need to contact the IRS by mail CLICK HERE. Taxpayers can also communicate with the IRS by mail when submitting tax returns, responding to certain IRS notices, sending supporting documentation, or handling other matters that require written correspondence. If you received an IRS notice, carefully review the instructions before mailing anything. The notice will generally provide the appropriate mailing address and explain what documents or information the IRS needs.
Do not send tax documents to an address obtained from an unrelated website when your IRS notice provides a specific address. Using the address and instructions provided by the IRS can help prevent processing delays. When mailing important tax documents to the IRS, consider using a mailing service that provides tracking or proof of delivery, when appropriate.
IRS Phone Numbers Taxpayers Call Most Often
Individual Taxpayer Services
The Individual Taxpayer Services line helps individuals with federal income tax questions, tax returns, tax accounts, payments, filing requirements, and other general individual tax matters.
Business and Specialty Tax Line
The Business and Specialty Tax Line assists businesses with federal tax questions, business tax accounts, employment taxes, business returns, and other business-related tax matters.
IRS Automated Transcript Service
This automated phone service lets individual taxpayers order tax return transcripts or tax account transcripts. The IRS mails the transcript to the address it has on file, generally within 5–10 calendar days. The service is available 24/7.
You can also order your IRS transcripts online by CLICKING HERE.
IRS Refund Hotline
The IRS Refund Hotline provides automated information about the status of eligible federal income tax refunds. Taxpayers can also check refund status through IRS online services.
Taxpayer Assistance Center Appointments
The IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center appointment line helps taxpayers schedule in-person appointments at participating IRS offices for eligible tax-related services.
International Taxpayers
The IRS international taxpayer assistance line helps taxpayers calling from outside the United States with U.S. federal tax questions and international tax matters.
Taxpayer Advocate Service
The Taxpayer Advocate Service helps eligible taxpayers who are experiencing unresolved problems with the IRS, financial difficulties, or issues that have not been resolved through normal IRS channels.
Tax Forms & Publications
The IRS Forms and Publications service allows taxpayers to order certain federal tax forms, instructions, and publications by telephone.
Identity Protection
The IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit assists taxpayers with certain tax-related identity theft and identity protection issues, including situations involving suspected fraudulent tax returns.
Hearing Impaired Taxpayers (TTY/TDD)
The IRS TTY/TDD telephone service provides assistance for taxpayers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and need telephone access to IRS services.
If you do not see the IRS contact number you are looking for, click the link below.
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Helpful Tips When Calling the IRS
Calling the IRS can sometimes involve a wait, particularly during tax filing season. The following tips can help make your call more efficient.
1
Have Your Tax Documents Available
Before calling, gather your relevant tax documents and information. Depending on your question, you may need your tax return, IRS notices, account information, payment records, or other tax documents.
2
Have Your IRS Notice Available
If you are calling about an IRS notice or letter, have the notice in front of you. The notice may contain a specific telephone number, reference information, deadlines, and instructions for resolving your issue.
3
Know the Tax Year Involved
Many IRS questions relate to a specific tax year. Knowing which tax year you are calling about can help the IRS representative locate the appropriate information.
4
Be Prepared for Identity Verification
The IRS may need to verify your identity before discussing confidential tax information. Have the information needed to verify your identity available before calling.
5
Use the Correct IRS Telephone Number
The IRS has different telephone numbers for individuals, businesses, tax professionals, international taxpayers, refunds, appointments, and specialized tax matters. Calling the appropriate department can help you reach the service that handles your particular issue.
6
Call During Less Busy Periods When Possible
IRS telephone lines can be especially busy during tax filing season and around major tax deadlines. If your issue is not urgent, consider calling outside the busiest periods when possible.
7
Keep Records of Your Call
Write down the date and time of your call, the department you contacted, and any reference or confirmation number provided by the IRS. If the representative gives you instructions, write them down so you can follow up correctly.
8
Be Careful With Personal Information
Do not provide your Social Security number, bank information, passwords, or other sensitive information to an unexpected caller claiming to represent the IRS. If you receive a suspicious call, independently verify the telephone number before providing personal or financial information.
IRS Telephone, Mail, and Online Contact FAQs
How can I contact the IRS?
What is the main IRS phone number for individual taxpayers?
The main IRS telephone number for individual taxpayers is 800-829-1040. This number can be used for many questions involving individual tax returns, tax accounts, payments, filing requirements, and federal income taxes.
What is the IRS phone number for businesses?
Businesses can generally contact the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. This line assists with many business tax questions, business accounts, employment taxes, business returns, and other federal business tax matters.
What are the IRS telephone hours of operation?
The main IRS telephone lines generally operate Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time. Some specialized IRS telephone services have different operating hours, so taxpayers should verify the hours for the specific department they need to contact.
Should I call the IRS or contact the IRS online?
For many routine tax questions, contacting the IRS online may be faster and more convenient than calling. IRS online services can provide access to tax account information, refund information, payments, transcripts, forms, and other resources without waiting for a telephone representative. If your issue involves a complicated tax account problem, an IRS notice, or an issue that cannot be resolved online, telephone assistance may be more appropriate.
Is it better to call the IRS or use IRS online services?
The best option depends on your situation. Online IRS services are often convenient for checking information, making payments, obtaining transcripts, and handling other routine matters. Calling the IRS may be necessary when you need assistance with an issue that cannot be resolved through an online tool or when you need to speak with an IRS representative.
How can I contact the IRS online?
Taxpayers can use IRS online services to access a variety of tax-related tools and information. Depending on your situation, you may be able to view your tax account, make a payment, check refund information, obtain transcripts, find forms, and manage certain tax matters online.
Can I contact the IRS by mail?
Yes. Taxpayers can communicate with the IRS by mail for certain tax matters, including responding to IRS notices, submitting supporting documentation, and handling other issues that require written correspondence. If you received an IRS notice, use the mailing address and instructions provided on that notice. Different IRS departments and tax matters can have different mailing addresses.
What should I do if I receive a notice or letter from the IRS?
Read the notice carefully and determine why the IRS contacted you. The notice should explain the reason for the correspondence and provide instructions about what you need to do. If the notice requires a response, follow the instructions and respond by the deadline shown on the notice. Depending on the issue, you may be able to respond by mail, online, or by telephone.
Should I call the IRS if I receive a tax notice?
Not necessarily. Many IRS notices can be resolved by following the instructions included with the notice without calling the IRS. If you have questions or disagree with the information in the notice, review the notice for the appropriate telephone number or mailing address. If a specific IRS employee or department is handling your case, the notice may provide specialized contact information.
What if I cannot resolve my IRS problem?
If you have tried to resolve your problem with the IRS and cannot obtain a resolution, you may qualify for assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS). TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that helps qualifying taxpayers resolve certain problems they have been unable to resolve through normal IRS channels. TAS assistance is free.
How do I contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service?
You can contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778. TAS may be able to assist if you are experiencing financial difficulty, have tried unsuccessfully to resolve an IRS problem, or believe an IRS system or procedure is not working properly.
Can I visit an IRS office instead of calling?
Yes. IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers provide in-person assistance for certain tax matters. Taxpayers generally need to schedule an appointment before visiting an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center. You can call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment. Services vary by location and tax issue.
What information should I have before calling the IRS?
Before calling, have your tax return, IRS notices or letters, tax year, Social Security number or taxpayer identification information, payment records, and other relevant tax documents available. Having the information related to your specific tax issue can make it easier to answer identity-verification questions and discuss your account with the IRS.
Why does the IRS need to verify my identity?
The IRS protects confidential taxpayer and tax account information. Before discussing certain account information, an IRS representative may need to verify your identity. The information required for verification can vary depending on the type of tax matter and the assistance you are requesting.
What should I do if I lost my IRS notice?
If you lost an IRS notice, you may be able to obtain assistance by contacting the IRS. Individual taxpayers can generally call 800-829-1040, while businesses can generally call 800-829-4933. If you remember the notice number or tax year involved, have that information available when contacting the IRS.
Can I send documents to the IRS by mail?
Yes. Some IRS matters require taxpayers to submit documents by mail. If you received a notice, follow the mailing instructions and use the address provided in the notice. Keep copies of everything you send to the IRS for your records. For important correspondence, taxpayers may also want to use a mailing service that provides proof of delivery.
How can I contact the IRS from outside the United States?
Taxpayers calling the IRS from outside the United States can use the international taxpayer telephone number 267-941-1000. This number is not toll-free. International taxpayers can also use IRS online resources for information concerning U.S. tax obligations and international tax matters.
What should I do if I disagree with an IRS notice?
If you disagree with an IRS notice, carefully review the notice to determine why the IRS made the change and what steps are available to dispute it. Follow the instructions and respond by the deadline provided. Depending on the type of notice, you may need to provide documentation, contact the IRS, or submit a written response. Failing to respond on time can affect your ability to challenge certain IRS actions.
What is the best way to contact the IRS about a complicated tax problem?
For a complicated tax problem, start by reviewing any IRS notice or correspondence you received because it may provide specific instructions or a dedicated contact number. You can also use IRS online resources, contact the appropriate IRS telephone department, or consider working with a qualified tax professional. If you have already attempted to resolve the issue with the IRS and meet the requirements, the Taxpayer Advocate Service may be able to help.
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